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Entertainment

Actor to rule stage; she's still working on nerves

Despite her concerns, Sara Bartos, 26, has the full confidence of her director for Bad Dates, a one-woman show.

By LOGAN NEILL
Published June 17, 2005

BROOKSVILLE - During her four years in drama at Hernando High School, Sara Bartos earned roles in several ensemble musical productions, including Guys and Dolls, Crazy For You and Gypsy. But until now, she has never been the sole focus on any stage. That's why she is looking with a little trepidation toward her opening night in New Millennia Studio's coming production of Bad Dates.

"I'm a little nervous about it," said the 26-year-old Bartos. "Being in a one-woman show means that you're it. For 90 minutes, you've got to make things happen. It's something I never thought I'd ever get the chance to do."

If nothing else, Bartos can count on the confidence that director and New Millennia Studio operator Robert DeWitt has in her. Last year, when he first read the script of Theresa Rebeck's critically acclaimed monologue, DeWitt couldn't help but think of Bartos, whom he directed last year in a production of Five Women Wearing the Same Dress.

"The reason I wanted Sara was because she had the kind of personality that the role demands," DeWitt said. "It's part stand-up comic, part actor, and Sara does that very well. She brings a lot of energy and thought to what she does on stage."

The play, which opens June 24 and runs through July 9, takes a hilarious and biting look at a divorced woman's struggle to find romantic happiness. The show was an off-Broadway hit in 2003 and earned several independent theater nods.

"It's extremely funny in a lot of places and very touching, too," said DeWitt. "Anyone who has gone through that kind of situation will instantly identify with it."

The show is the first of three productions New Millennia is hosting in its "Summer Story Series," which will also include a production of Sam Shepard's True West and an adaptation of the book Ordinary Heroes: Anecdotes of Veterans by local author Sara Nachin.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Bad Dates, a monologue featuring Sara Bartos.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from June 24 through July 9, with a special preview showing Thursday.

WHERE: New Millennia Studio, 316 S Broad St., Brooksville.

ADMISSION: $7.50 for general seating (and for all seats at the preview showing); $15 for reserved table seating.